Probe into 'major' gas leak

Water sprays were used to minimise risk of explosion

Hundreds of workers were moved out of offices because of a major gas leak in the centre of Belfast.

The pipe was severed close to the Albert Clock in the docks area of the city shortly after 1200 BST on Thursday.

The area was cordoned off and the fire service used water sprays because of fears of an explosion.

A spokesperson for Phoenix Gas said the company was investigating how the gas main was severed.

It is understood that contractors working on the road fractured the gas main while using a digger on Donegall Quay.

Main roads in the area were closed for almost two hours.

The Fire Service said 500 people had to be moved to safety and they estimate that the blast damage could have affected buildings within a 500 yard area.

Firefighters said something as small as a cigarette could have sparked off a massive explosion.

Brigade Commander Chris Kerr said it could have put lives in danger.

"It was a high pressure leak and a very real danger - we are treating this as a major incident," he said.

However, Phoenix spokeswoman Sharon Harty insisted the gas leak did not present any danger to life or property.

"This was not an unsafe situation. It is an open area, and gas being lighter than air, it immediately dispersed into the atmosphere.

"There was no immediate danger to either life or property."

Traffic flow through the docks area of the city was seriously disrupted by the emergency.